GRETA publishes its third report on Monaco

In a report published on June 11, 2024, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) calls on the Principality of Monaco to take additional measures to combat trafficking, in particular by improving the identification of victims and criminals. the judicial response and by strengthening measures to combat trafficking for the purposes of labor exploitation.

Even though no victims have been formally identified in Monaco since the entry into force of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings in 2016, the risks of labor exploitation continue to raise concerns. concerns, particularly in sectors such as domestic work, construction, hotels and restaurants, and work on private yachts. There are also concerns about possible sexual exploitation of people who come to Monaco occasionally, particularly for important events.

Progress has been made since the previous evaluation (2020), particularly with regard to the legislative framework, the definition of the crime of trafficking, the training of professionals and the information of victims. The institutional and strategic framework, however, remained unchanged. GRETA considers that the authorities should adopt a strategic policy document on combating trafficking or incorporate such measures into a more general strategic policy document.

The report calls for additional measures to improve the identification of potential victims of trafficking, particularly among domestic workers, migrant workers and persons in an irregular situation, and to finalize the adoption of the draft circular on the identification and assistance to victims of trafficking.

With regard to the prevention and fight against trafficking for the purposes of labor exploitation, the authorities are called upon to strengthen the capacities and resources of the Labor Inspectorate, to map the sectors considered at risk of exploitation , to increase the number of unannounced inspections carried out in these sectors and put in place safe and effective reporting mechanisms.

GRETA is concerned that relevant professionals may have a restrictive interpretation of what constitutes trafficking and urges the authorities to take the necessary legislative measures to ensure that the offense of trafficking can be investigated, prosecuted and prosecuted. effective sanctions, in particular by adding the offense to the Penal Code. Coded.

GRETA welcomes the introduction of a public compensation system for victims of crime, which covers victims of trafficking. He considers that the authorities should ensure that any detected victim is systematically informed of their right to seek compensation and benefits from legal assistance from the start of the procedure.

Finally, GRETA urges the authorities to provide in their domestic law for a recovery and reflection period as well as the possibility of issuing a renewable residence permit to victims of trafficking.

GRETA and Monaco

The Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) is an independent body that monitors how countries implement the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The 46 member states of the Council of Europe are bound by the Convention, as are non-member states Belarus and Israel.